Taken from the Mining Journals at Frostburg University:

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Lois Hopkins.
LoisEH@worldnet.att.net

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June 20, 1874

FATAL OCCURRENCE:  At the underground works of the Fire Brick Company, at
Mt. Savage, Tuesday last, it became necessary, in order to open
communication between the shaft and gallery, to blast with a large charge
of powder.  This was done when Mr. Michael Dickel descended the shaft to
inspect the result.  The smoke not having risen as quickly as expected,
this gentleman was overcome by bad air and fell to the bottom.  The bucket
was immediately drown up, when Mr. John Hoskin went down to the assistance
of Mr. Dickel.  He also became suffocated and fell from the bucket.  After
some delay both men were brought to the surface, and strenuous efforts made
to resuscitate them.  These endeavors were successful with Mr. Dickel, who
is now recovering, but Mr. Hoskin died a few hours later.  He was a good
citizen, and his sudden and melancholy death is a subject of profound
regret to all who knew him, and a deep distress to his wife and three
children.


July 11, 1874

A VALUABLE TESTIMONIAL:  The recent accident in the clay mine of Mt. Savage
Fire Brick Works by which John Hoskin lost his life, became the occasion
last week of a generous testimonial from the Union Mining Company to Mr.
Phillip P. Thomas, through whose heroic efforts the two bodies were brought
to the surface and the life of Michael Dickel was saved.  The fact coming
to the knowledge of the Directors they at once commissioned the President,
James S. Mackie, Esq., to present Mr. Thomas with an elegant gold watch,
which he did through J. A. Milholland Esq., of Mt. Savage.  The case of the
watch bears, outside, the initials, "P.P.T." inside, the inscription:

"The Union Mining Company
of Maryland to
Philip P. Thomas,
In Recognition of His
Humanity and Courage
In Saving the Life of a Mate
At the Risk of His Own,
June 15, 1874
By order of 
The Board of Directors,
New York, June 24, 1874"

Accompanying the watch, a letter from Mr. Mackie conveys to Mr. Thomas, in
feeling terms, the high appreciation with which his brave conduct is held
by the Company - of itself sufficient to inspire with just pride any man
worthy of such commendation.  The whole preceding is creditable alike to
Mr. Thomas' brave conduct and the Company's generous recognition of his
manhood.

Philip died 15 Mar 1885.

Transcribed and submitted by Lois Hopkins
LoisEH@worldnet.att.net